Reports: Virat Kohli set to miss Delhi's next Ranji Trophy match due to neck sprain

The Indian batters are going through a rough patch in Test cricket of late. The struggle started during the New Zealand series in which they seemed helpless against the Kiwi spin attack. Things did not pan out well in Australia as their shot selection and approach was criticized by former cricketers and pundits. Particularly, Virat Kohli, who scored a century in Perth, looked dodgy throughout the series getting dismissed to balls outside of off stump.

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season will unpause from January 23. Subsequently, several former cricketers urged the Indian batters to feature in the domestic tournament which will potentially help them to get back to form. As per reports, Kohli is suffering from a neck sprain and will not play for Delhi in the second leg of the first-class tournament.

“Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors are given an update," said a source to The Times of India.

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BCCI comes up with new policy 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on January 16 released a new policy where it has strictly mentioned that it is important for all the international players to feature in domestic cricket. The policy also mentions that domestic cricket participation is important for the selection prospects to the national team.

"Participation in Domestic Matches is mandatory for players to remain eligible for selection in the national team and for central contracts, as per BCCI guidelines. This policy ensures that players remain connected to the domestic cricket ecosystem, fostering talent development, maintaining match fitness, and strengthening the overall domestic structure. It also inspires emerging players by providing them opportunities to compete alongside top cricketers, ensuring continuity in talent progression," reads one of the points in the policy.